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Mind over migraine

Last Updated 23 February 2018, 16:53 IST

Do you sometimes feel like someone is hitting your head with a hammer? And it's almost impossible for you to carry on with your usual activities? Even keeping your eyes open can prove to be a monumental task. You are, in all probability, suffering from a severe attack of migraine. Generally, migraine affects people between 25 and 45 years of age, but with the sedentary lifestyle, even younger people are prone to this condition.

WHO states that migraine is more common in women, usually by a factor of about 2:1, because of hormonal influences. Migraine attacks are not same as regular headaches. They are generally moderate or severe and mostly affect one side of the head. The frequency of migraine varies from once or more than once in a week to even once a year, depending on the severity of the patient's condition. While few only have occasional migraines, others have them every month, and the pain may last for several days. Let's take a look at the different kinds of migraine:

Symptoms

The symptoms of migraine vary from moderate to severe headache on one side of the head, along with vomiting and nausea. A person might also get sensitive towards light, causing eye pain and find it difficult to keep the eyes open in bright surroundings. Few also suffer from sensitivity towards sound and smell.

Causes

Experts believe that migraine is caused by the activation of a mechanism deep in the brain that releases pain-producing inflammatory substances around the nerves and blood vessels of the head. Here are some factors that can cause migraine:

* Hormonal changes: Some women experience migraine headaches right before or during their periods.

* Stress: Tensions at work or any kind of stressful situation can be a cause.

* Tiredness: Inadequate rest or sleep can trigger headaches.

* Certain foods or drink: Even certain kinds of food can cause headaches in some people. Consuming too much alcohol, fried food or Chinese food can lead to headache.

* Skipping meals: Skipping breakfast or eating lunch/dinner late can cause migraine.

Diagnosis

Migraines are often ignored or diagnosed late. However, if the headaches are reoccurring and if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of migraine attacks, it is always advisable to visit a doctor.

While experiencing a migraine attack, most people prefer sleeping in a dark room. It reduces the exposure to light and lessens the intensity of headaches. Whenever you get a migraine headache, find a calm place, turn off the lights and take rest. You can apply cold or hot water compresses to your neck or head.

Managing pain

Your doctor will assess your condition and recommend medications for the same. Medicines for migraine will need to be taken for a few months. Additionally pain killers can be taken on occasion.

In case you suspect a particular trigger is causing your migraines, like a type of food or any particular light, keep a note of it and try to avoid it in future.

Go for early morning walks, and always keep yourself hydrated. Avoid walking or travelling under direct sunlight, as it can worsen the condition. Also, be careful when you have to travel in traffic-prone areas, as the honking sounds can trigger the pain. Take small breaks at work to avoid constant staring at the computer. You may also reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol.

(The author is consultant neurologist, Fortis Hospital)

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(Published 23 February 2018, 06:40 IST)

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